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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Harry Latham-Coyle

Is New Zealand vs South Africa on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Rugby Championship

New Zealand welcome South Africa to their Eden Park stronghold for a crunch clash in the third round of the Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks have gone 50 matches unbeaten at the Auckland ground but that run could come under serious threat in a fixture that is likely to have a major bearing on the shape of the tournament.

A shock defeat to Australia on home soil in their opening fixture left the Springboks on the back foot, but the world champions overcame another battling performance from the Wallabies to restore hopes of defending their title.

New Zealand, meanwhile, suffered a first ever defeat on Argentinian soil to the Pumas last time out to relinquish control of the competition, making these back-to-back meetings with their fellow heavyweights crucial.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is New Zealand vs South Africa?

New Zealand vs South Africa is due to kick off at 8.05am BST on Saturday 6 September at Eden Park in Auckland.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Rugby Championship live on Sky Sports. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW.

Team news

Flanker Ardie Savea wins his 100th New Zealand cap, following teammate Codie Taylor to the landmark as the second All Blacks centurion in two weeks. With Scott Robertson shorn of three scrum halves due to injury, Finlay Christie is given the No 9 shirt with Kyle Preson awaiting a debut off the bench.

South Africa welcome back Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit into their starting back row, a significant boost for Rassie Erasmus and his side. A settled, highly experienced side is named with Willie le Roux fit to start at full-back having withdrawn a fortnight ago with a niggle, while Jesse Kriel retains the captaincy ahead of Kolisi with the regular skipper having been “touch and go” for this game earlier this week.

Line-ups

New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Beauden Barrett; 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Emoni Narawa; 15 Will Jordan.

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.

South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Siya Kolisi; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel (capt.), 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Willie le Roux.

Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.

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